The duck, named Daffy, was paddling around the duck pond in Big Spring Park Monday afternoon post-treatment, noisily scolding other ducks competing for bits of bread being thrown by visitors.
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| Daffy has recovered |
Athens Police Officer Paul Tucker, an animal-control officer, noticed the wounded duck early last week at the park, said Dr. Robert Pitman, the veterinarian who treats the city’s lost and unwanted animals. Tucker caught the bird and brought it to The Dog Pound on U.S. 72, which serves as the animal shelter for both the city and Limestone County, where it underwent treatment by Pitman.
“The arrow was sticking all the way through its neck,” Pitman said. “Luckily, it went between the duck’s windpipe and its spine.”
After deadening the duck’s neck, Pitman removed the arrow and allowed the bird to recover.
“The duck is able to eat and breathe well now,” Pitman said Friday morning.
Tucker retrieved the duck from the veterinary office sometime Friday afternoon and returned it to its home in the pond.
The only evidence of Daffy’s injury is a small, round spot on one side of the neck.
Police are uncertain who shot the duck. Anyone with information may call the Police Department at 256-233-8700.
(News Courier - November 20, 2012)
